A
Abdominal Aortic Ultrasound: This non-invasive test examines the aorta, which is the large artery that carries newly oxygenated blood from the heart to the body. This test is ordered to determine if the aorta is narrowing, has a bulge (aneurysm), or has blockages.
Ablation therapy: During an electrophysiology (EP) study, this therapy is sometimes used to destroy the small amount of heart tissue that is causing the arrhythmia. Once the tissue is destroyed, usually a normal heart rhythm is restored.
Aerobic exercise: Form of exercise that increases breathing and heart rate, which in turn exercises the cardiovascular system. It also burns fat and calories. Examples of aerobic exercise include walking, jogging, swimming, tennis, aerobics, water aerobics and biking.
Anaerobic exercise: Form of exercise that works particular muscle groups and concentrates on building muscle. (In the long run, the more muscles a person has, the more calories and fat the individual can burn.) Examples of anaerobic exercise include weight lifting, push-ups and sit-ups.
Angioplasty: See percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA).
Aorta: Large artery that carries re-oxygenated blood to smaller arteries throughout the body.
Aortic aneurysm: A bulge or ballooning in the aorta that can have dangerous consequences if it bursts. The primary cause of an aortic aneurysm is atherosclerosis (a build-up of plaque on the artery wall). Some aortic aneurysms are caused by inherited diseases, such as Marfan Syndrome. Men between the ages of 40 and 70 are the most common patients diagnosed with this condition.
Aortic regurgitation: Also known as aortic insufficiency, the aortic valve doesn't close correctly, which causes blood to leak back into the left ventricle.
Aortic stenosis: This condition occurs when the aortic valve stiffens, narrows and obstructs blood from flowing from the left ventricle to the aorta.
Aortic valve: Valve that is located between the left ventricle and the aorta. When the left ventricle contracts, the aortic valve opens so blood can flow into the aorta. The valve also keeps blood from flowing backwards.
Arrhythmia: A condition that occurs when the electrical impulses occur irregularly and interrupt the sinus rhythm (or normal rhythm of the heart). Over the long term, an arrhythmia can create a heart rhythm that is too fast (tachycardia or more than 100 beats per minute) or too slow (bradycardia or less than 60 beats per minute).
Artery: Blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart.
Atherosclerosis: This condition is the hardening and narrowing of the arteries, which occurs when cholesterol, fatty deposits, calcium and other waste products buildup on the inner lining of the artery wall. This buildup is referred to as plaque. Plaque makes it difficult for blood to pass through the artery. Atherosclerosis is the most common cause of coronary artery disease or heart disease.
Atria: The upper chambers of the heart that are commonly referred to by their location-left and right atria. ('Atrium' is the singular form of this word. When referring to more than one chamber, the plural word is 'atria'.)
Atrial fibrillation (AF): An arrhythmia that occurs when the electrical impulses in the atria (or upper chambers of the heart) cause the atria to beat rapidly and irregularly.
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B
Bacterial endocarditis: The endocardium is the inner lining of the heart. Endocarditis is an infection of endocardium or the heart valve that can cause severe damage to the heart and valves. In most instances, a bacteria that's normally found on the skin or in the respiratory, urinary or gastrointestinal tract, enters the bloodstream where it can adhere to a defective heart valve or heart tissue. When it's not treated, endocarditis not only damages the heart and valves but also is capable of generating a systemic infection that spreads throughout the body and is potentially fatal.
Blood vessel: A general term that refers to the arteries and veins that carry blood to and from the heart.
Bradycardia: A heart rhythm that's too slow or less than 60 beats per minute.
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C
Cardiac catheterization (cath) (diagnostic): A diagnostic cardiac catheterization is an invasive procedure that is used to evaluate the coronary arteries and pressures in the heart's chambers. A long thin tube called a catheter is inserted into a blood vessel in the groin, neck or arm. Using the fluoroscopy machine, the cardiologist guides the catheter to the heart, injects a contrast material and takes pictures of the beating heart.
Cardiac catheterization (cath) (invasive): See percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA).
Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT): Patients diagnosed with ventricular dysynchrony may require this therapy. The CRT procedure is similar to a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implant, except that the patient receives either a CRT-P (cardiac resynchronization therapy pacemaker) or a CRT-D (an ICD that can pace a brachycardia rhythm). During this procedure, electronic pacing leads are placed in the right ventricle, as well in a coronary vein that essentially allows pacing of the left ventricle simultaneously. In certain patients with congestive heart failure (CHF), this technique improves the efficiency of heart pumping in order to improve blood flow around the system.
Cardioversion: Electrical cardioversion is the technique of applying a light shock to the chest to correct certain arrhythmias.
Carotid arteries: Arteries that are located in the neck and carry oxygen-rich blood to the brain.
Carotid duplex ultrasound: This painless ultrasound test examines the blood flow through the carotid arteries.
Cardiovascular system: A general term that refers to the heart, lungs and blood vessels.
Cholesterol: A fatty substance, which is also called 'blood fat', generated both by the body and food. It circulates through the bloodstream in the form of lipoproteins, which are bundles of fat and protein. The body requires a certain amount of lipoproteins to stay healthy, but when the lipoproteins become unbalanced, the risk for coronary artery disease, heart attack and stroke increase. The two most commonly considered types are high-density lipoproteins (HDL) and low-density lipoproteins (LDL).
Circumflex artery: Coronary artery that delivers oxygen-rich blood to the left atrium and back of the left ventricle.
Congestive Heart Failure (CHF): A condition that, in its most common form, develops when the heart is weakened and unable to efficiently pump blood to other organs in the body. As a result, the heart has to work harder to meet the demands of the body's organs. As the disease progresses, the heart muscle continues to weaken and blood flow out of the heart slows. Consequently, blood flow to the heart becomes sluggish, which causes edema (swelling). Fluid commonly accumulates in the ankles and legs, as well as the lungs, creating breathing difficulties.
Controllable risk factors: Manageable characteristics and lifestyle habits that increase patients' chances for a particular health problem. For example, Weight and tobacco use can be modified. Elevated blood pressure can be managed with medications, diet restrictions, and regular aerobic exercise. People with diabetes can control their blood sugar. Conversely, characteristics, such as gender and age, are uncontrollable risk factors. Patients should understand both their controllable and uncontrollable risk factors for heart disease.
Coronary arteries: Arteries located on the surface of the heart that deliver blood to the heart muscle. The primary coronary arteries include the right coronary artery, left main coronary artery, left anterior descending coronary artery and the circumflex coronary artery.
Coronary artery bypass (CABG): Also called heart bypass surgery, during this procedure, which is traditionally performed as an open-heart surgery, the surgeon takes a healthy blood vessel from another place in the body and attaches it to a blocked coronary artery. The replacement artery routes blood around the blocked area of the artery creating a 'bypass' so oxygenated blood can reach the heart muscle.
Coronary artery disease (CAD): Also known as heart disease, CAD occurs when atherosclerosis narrows the coronary arteries. The coronary arteries are especially small so they're even more susceptible to the adverse effects of atherosclerosis. Plus, the coronary arteries are tasked with the vital function of supplying blood to the heart muscle allowing it to pump blood effectively.
Coronary artery CT scan: This non-invasive test examines the calcium buildup in the coronary arteries. Calcium is one of several substances that can cause atherosclerosis, which can lead to coronary artery disease. This test produces a calcium score. The higher the score, the higher the risk for future heart problems. By comparing old scores to new scores, the coronary artery CT scan can also evaluate the effectiveness of certain heart treatments.
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E
Echocardiogram: This test, also called an echo Doppler, is a painless ultrasound of the heart.
Electrophysiology (EP) study: Patients who are diagnosed with or are suspected to have a heart arrhythmia, may need this invasive diagnostic study. During the test, a catheter is guided to the heart using fluoroscopy, a special x-ray technique that captures and stores images in real-time. Special wire electrodes are placed inside the heart and tests are performed to determine the location and nature of the rhythm problem. Ablation therapy is sometimes administered to treat the arrhythmia.
EKG: Also called an ECG or electrocardiogram, during this test, small electrodes are placed on the chest and arms. Lead wires from the electrodes connect to the machine. The machine records the heart's electrical activity.
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F
Fluoroscopy: This special x-ray technique, which captures and stores real-time images, is used during cardiac catheterization procedures.
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H
Heart: A hollow muscular organ that is located under the ribcage and slightly left of the breastbone. The heart pumps blood in need of oxygen to the lungs and re-oxygenated blood throughout the body.
Heart attack: See myocardial infarction (MI).
Heart disease: See coronary artery disease.
Hemorrhagic stroke: Also known as a bleeding stroke, this type of stroke is much less common and is caused by blood vessels that weaken and burst. Experts believe that the primary cause of this type of stroke is related to a defect in the blood vessels of the brain that causes them to be more fragile than normal and predisposed to rupture.
High-density lipoproteins (HDL): Often referred to as 'good cholesterol', this lipoprotein retrieves LDL particles from the arteries and transports them to the liver, which then removes them from the body or reprocesses them.
High blood pressure: See hypertension.
Hypertension: When the heart beats, blood is pushed against the artery walls. This measurement is blood pressure. When blood pressure is consistently high, the heart is overexerted and the walls of the arteries are damaged. These problems can lead to atherosclerosis, which can cause more serious complications like coronary artery disease (CAD), heart attack and stroke.
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I
Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD): Patients who are prone to certain types of arrhythmias, especially those that could cause sudden cardiac arrest, may require this small electronic tool that's inserted under the skin near the heart. Leads on the ICD are connected to the heart, and if the ICD detects an abnormal rhythm, it shocks the heart back to a normal rhythm. Some ICD's are equipped with pacemaker abilities so they can 'pace' the heart's rhythm too.
Inferior vena cava: Large vein that, along with the superior vena cava, delivers blood in need of oxygen to the right atrium of the heart.
Ischemic stroke: A stroke that's created by a clot blocking an artery in the brain. When the clot is formed at the site of the stroke and doesn't travel to the vessel it blocks, it's called a thrombus. When the clot travels, it's referred to as an embolism.
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L
Left anterior descending artery: Coronary artery that delivers oxygen-rich blood from the left main coronary artery to the front and tip of the left ventricle.
Left main coronary artery: Coronary artery that delivers oxygen rich blood from the aorta into two smaller arteries called the left anterior descending artery and the circumflex artery.
Lipoproteins: Bundles of cholesterol fat and protein that circulate in the blood.
Low-density lipoproteins (LDL): Often referred to as 'bad cholesterol', when this type of cholesterol is unused, it accumulates in the arteries and can eventually cause partial or complete blockages that lead to coronary artery disease.
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M
Microvolt T-Wave Alternans (TWA): This test assesses the patient's risk for a sudden life threatening arrhythmia and determines if an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is an ideal preventive therapy. It's performed with an exercise stress test. Patients often considered for this exam include those that have survived a heart attack, have a weakened heart muscle, or have been fainting for unclear reasons.
Mitral stenosis: This condition occurs when the mitral valve stiffens, narrows and obstructs blood from flowing between the left atrium and left ventricle properly.
Mitral valve: Valve that is located between the left atrium and left ventricle. When the left atrium contracts, the mitral valve opens so blood can flow into the left ventricle. When the left ventricle is full, the valve closes so blood doesn't flow backwards.
Mitral valve prolapse (MVP): This condition occurs when one or both of the mitral valve flaps is too large or the strings that support one or both of the flaps are too long. This situation causes the valve to lapse backward into the atrium when the valve closes. This action sometimes causes a 'click', as well as leaking of blood back into the left atrium. The result is called a heart murmur (noise of turbulent blood detected by the stethoscope).
Mitral valve regurgitation: Also known as mitral valve insufficiency, when this condition occurs, the mitral valve doesn't close correctly, which causes blood to eject back into the left atrium.
Myocardial infarction (MI): Also called a heart attack, this problem occurs when a coronary artery becomes partially or completely blocked, stopping oxygenated blood from reaching the heart muscle. The muscle becomes starved for oxygen and is damaged or in some cases dies. The term 'myocardial' refers to the heart muscle, while 'infarction' refers to tissue death caused by lack of oxygenated blood. Seeking immediate treatment for a heart attack is critical to minimizing the damage and surviving.
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N
Nuclear Stress Test: This two-part study compares the way the heart works when the body is at rest and when the body is under stress. During the test, a small amount of radioactive material called Cardiolite is injected into the blood stream. This safe material follows the path of the blood supply to the heart muscle, allowing experts to take pictures of blood flow to the heart and determine if there is normal or impaired coronary artery blood flow. Impaired blood flow generally indicates coronary artery disease (CAD). Nuclear stress tests can be administered in two different ways, depending upon the patient's condition and individual situation. The adenosine stress test does not involve physical activity, while the traditional or non-adenosine stress test requires walking on a treadmill.
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O
Over-the-counter medication: A medication that does not require a prescription.
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P
Pacemaker: This small electronic tool is inserted under the skin near the heart. Leads on the pacemaker are connected to the heart to help it beat or 'pace' properly.
Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA): Also known as an interventional cardiac catheterization, angioplasty and balloon angioplasty, this invasive procedure is used to treat coronary artery disease. A long thin tube called a catheter is inserted into a blood vessel in the groin, neck or arm. Using the fluoroscopy machine, the cardiologist guides the catheter to the heart, inflates a balloon to open narrowed or blocked coronary arteries, and restores blood flow to the heart muscle. This therapy also includes the procedure of implanting a stent across a coronary artery blockage to keep the artery from closing or narrowing again, a condition called restenosis.
Peripheral Vascular Disease: Also known as peripheral arterial disease (PAD) or atherosclerosis of the extremities, this condition occurs when atherosclerosis develops in the arteries of the legs, feet or arms. This plaque makes it difficult for blood to pass through the artery and in some instances causes blood clots to form at the site or become trapped at the site of the narrowing. The result is a blockage of the blood vessel.
Plaque: Cholesterol, fatty deposits, calcium and other waste products buildup on the inner lining of the artery wall forming plaque. Plaque makes it difficult for blood to pass through the artery and can lead to the development of coronary artery disease.
Pulmonary artery: Large artery that carries blood in need of oxygen from the right side of the heart to the lungs.
Pulmonary regurgitation: Also referred to as pulmonary insufficiency, this condition occurs when the pulmonary valve doesn't close correctly, causing blood to regurgitate back into the right ventricle.
Pulmonary stenosis: This condition occurs when the pulmonary valve stiffens, narrows and obstructs blood from flowing from the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery.
Pulmonary valve: Valve that is located between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery. When the right ventricle contracts, the pulmonary valve opens so blood can flow into the pulmonary artery. The valve also keeps blood from flowing backwards.
Pulmonary vein: Vein that delivers re-oxygenated blood from the lungs to the left atrium.
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R
Renal arterial duplex ultrasound: This non-invasive test examines the blood flow through the arteries of the kidneys.
Right coronary artery: Coronary artery that transports oxygen-rich blood from the aorta to the right side and bottom of the heart.
Risk Factor: A characteristic or lifestyle habit that increases the chances for developing a particular health problem. Uncontrollable risk factors are those characteristics that patients cannot change or manage, such as age, gender, ethnicity and family history. Likewise, controllable risk factors are manageable characteristics and lifestyle habits that patients can control, such as weight, tobacco and diet.
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S
Superior vena cava: Large vein that, along with the inferior vena cava, delivers blood in need of oxygen to the right atrium of the heart.
Stress ECHO: During this test, the patient's heart rate and blood pressure are measured while the patient walks on a treadmill or rides a bike. Then a technician takes ultrasound pictures at rest and after exercise.
Stress EKG: During this test, the patient's heart rate and blood pressure are measured while the patient walks on a treadmill or rides a bike.
Stroke: Also known as a brain attack, a stroke is cardiovascular disease that occurs when a blood vessel that delivers oxygenated blood and nutrients to the brain either ruptures or is blocked by a blood clot. As result, part of the brain is unable to receive the oxygenated blood it needs, and brain cells begin to die. The results can be disabling and even fatal, so immediate treatment is crucial.
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T
Tachycardia: A heart beat that's too fast or more than 100 beats per minute.
Target heart rate range: The ideal pace needed to burn calories and fat and safely exercise the cardiovascular system. A physician or cardiac rehab specialist can determine a patient's target heart rate range.
Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE): This invasive diagnostic procedure is used to evaluate the way the heart is functioning in detail and examine the structures of the heart, such as the heart valves and vessels. This diagnostic exam typically becomes necessary when the regular echocardiogram does not provide adequate detail of the heart anatomy. During this test, the cardiologist inserts a small tube with a special tip into the esophagus or food pipe. The special tip transmits the sound waves to the heart. The waves reflect back allowing the cardiologist to obtain images of the heart. Because of the close proximity of the tip to the heart, these images are much more detailed and informative than non-invasive tests, such as a standard echo.
Tricuspid stenosis: This condition occurs when the tricuspid valve stiffens, narrows and obstructs blood from flowing between the right atrium and right ventricle properly.
Tricuspid valve: Valve that is located between the right atrium and right ventricle. When the right atrium contracts, the tricuspid valve opens so blood can flow into the right ventricle. When the right ventricle is full, the valve closes so that blood does not flow backwards.
Tricuspid valve regurgitation: Also known as tricuspid insufficiency, when this condition occurs, the tricuspid valve doesn't close correctly, which causes blood to eject back into the right atrium.
Triglycerides: A type of cholesterol produced by the liver. Like LDLs, the body needs a certain amount of triglycerides for energy, but high levels can lead to the unhealthy consequences. Diets high in fat, sugar and certain types of carbohydrates can raise triglyceride levels.
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U
Uncontrollable risk factors: Characteristics that cannot be changed and that increase a patient's chances for a particular health problem. For example, patients can't change their gender, age or hereditary risk factors. Conversely, characteristics, such as weight and tobacco use, are controllable risk factors that can be modified. Elevated blood pressure can be controlled with medications, diet restrictions and regular aerobic exercise. People with diabetes can control their blood sugar. Patients should understand both their controllable and uncontrollable risk factors for heart disease.
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V
Vein: Blood vessel that carries blood to the heart.
Ventricles: The lower chambers of the heart that are commonly referred to by their location-left and right ventricle.
Ventricular dysynchrony: This condition occurs when the ventricles (two bottom chambers of the heart) do not beat at the same time. This condition is typically accompanied by congestive heart failure.
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